Basanta named in Argentina squad

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - DECEMBER 16: Jose Maria Basanta (L) of Monterrey and Mohamed Aboutrika of Al-Ahly SC jump for a header during the FIFA Club World Cup 3rd Place Match between Al-Ahly SC and CF Monterrey at International Stadium Yokohama on December 16, 2012 in Yokohama, Japan

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There is a surprise inclusion for 28-year-old Monterrey defender Jose Maria Basanta, who could gain his first international cap.

The selection of Basanta comes after Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini was sidelined for three to seven weeks.

The Argentina squad includes Real Madrid forward Angel Di Maria, who will miss the first match through suspension.

Wigan forward Franco Di Santo is among the players named in the squad, along with Manchester City duo Pablo Zabaleta and Sergio Aguero, but there was no place for their team-mate Carlos Tevez.

Argentina play Venezuela on March 22 in Buenos Aires, before going to Bolivia on March 26.

Sabella's team sit three points clear at the top of CONMEBOL qualifying for next year's World Cup, to be staged in Brazil.